Champers!

Last night I was chilling in the DJ booth at Dfly with Smooth and "LJ." LJ kindly uncorked a bottle of bubbly and we had a brief discussion about cheap sparklies. Since both he and Smooth said they learned something new from my quick tutorial on the stuff, it was suggested that I blog it. LJ said, "I don't think people know this!"

So here goes:
Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced only in the Champagne region of France. If it's not from Champagne, it's not champagne. Much like a genericized trademark, where Band-Aid and Kleenex have become accepted terms for bandages and tissues, champagne is often used to describe any sparkling wine.

However, other sparkling wines are just as good. For instance, last night we were sipping on prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. It was a cheapy, but good (I don't recall the brand). I like Zardetto - and look how affordable

I like dry, so I'm a fan of the Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, which is cava from Spain. This one is fun because, like some other brands, it is available in splits (individual mini bottles) - I bought a 3-pack at the liquor store for under $10 before Christmas.

Of course, tonight, who cares what it's called, so long as you have a glass (or maybe some sparkling grape juice) at midnight - in fact, I find it most fun to call it "champers!"

Comments

[Rich Hauck]

Yeah, I make a habit of correcting people, since it's one of my favorite drinks.

Have you tried Gruet? It's an excellent inexpensive bubbly from New Mexico made by a French family.

Also, if you want to get technical, Pleasant Valley (in the NY Fingerlakes) has permission from France to call their Great Western brand "Champagne".

[Sara]

Haha, me too.

I have not had Gruet - but I will, so long as our lovely liquor stores carry such a thing. Do you know if they do?

I think I did hear about the French permission before - great info, thanks!

[Rich Hauck]

I think I saw it at the one on Linglestown Rd. last I was home, though I could be mistaken.